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TEAM-WORK 



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Te 



A Comedy in Three Acts 



By 

HAROLD QUIMBY GALLUPE 

and 
CHARLES GOTT 

Author of '■'-His IVord of Honor^'* etc. 



Prize-winner, Pen, Paint and Pretzel Contest, Tufts 
College, November, igio. 



BOSTON 

WALTER H. BAKER & CO. 

1912 



Team-Work 

CAST OF CHARACTERS 

Stewart Almy, "Toot," a member of "Paint and Powder," a 

dramatic club. 
William Jefferson Jordan, "S/iifte," the playwright, member 

of "Paint and Powder." 
Bob Richards, captain of the football teatn, host at Forest Lodge. 
H. Gardner Hvuphk^y, football jiianager. 
Frank Bell, electrician for "Paint and Powder." 
Bill Black, ^ 

Tom Whttf ' I ^^'^■S^ hands for "Paint and Powder." 

Sam Green, J 

Messenger Boy. 

Dorothy Sprague, ] 

Edith Richards, Bob's sister, \ Students at Jackson College. 

Ruth Sargent, j 

Mrs. Hodgkins, Bob' s aunt, the chaperon. 

Amy Sinclair Granby, a Radcliffi stitdent, Edith' s friend. 

SYNOPSIS OF SCENES 

Act I. — Dining-room at Forest Lodge, morning. 
Act II. — Same as Act I. Evening of the following day. 
Act III. — Stage of the college gymnasium, on the afternoon 
preceding the performance of the Paint and Powder play. 

Place :— Tufts College. 
Time : — Present. 




Copyright, 1911, by Charles Gott. 
Copyright, 191 2, by Walter H. Raker & Co. 

/ 

©C!.D 31173 



Team-Work 



ACT I 

SCENE. — The dining-room of Forest Lodge. Door L. to 
piazza ; door r. to kitchen and hall. Fireplace tip C, with 
small latticed windotvs on either side. In ceiitre of room, 
Mrs. Hodgkins, Edith Richards, Amy Sinclair Granby, 
Ruth Sargent, Dorothy Sprague. Stewart Almy and 
William Jefferson Jordan sit about round dining table, 
which is covered with the remains of breakfast. One chair 
vacant. On wall h., an old-fashioned telephone. Up stage 
L., seat, of which cover can be raised. Down r. a couch. 
Seats, pictures, etc. Stew, wears light trousers, brown 
and blue jersey, and dark coat. Shine wears dark suit 
and soft shirt. Most of the party are finishing breakfast. 

Stew. Why don't you eat some breakfast, Dorothy? 
You'll shrivel up and blow away. 

Dor. Goodness ! I can't start in the morning and keep 
eating all day the way you boys do. 

Edith {laughing). Boys ! How about Aunty and me? 

Dor. Oh, well, you're not really eating, — you're just keep- 
ing Toot company. And Mrs. Hodgkins has just started. 

Stew. Huh ! I bet you're like Ruth : she eats as much 
as I do, but she eats so fast {Ducks laughing.') 

Ruth. Stewart Almy ! I don't either ! You're perfectly 
horrid to say such things ! 

Stew. Well now 

Shine. Holy smoke ! Some fellows can get by whatever 
they say. Now if I'd said she ate fast, I'd fast forever. 

{Laughs, but as no one else laughs, lapses into embarrassed 
silence.) 

Edith {to Mrs. H., who is looking about table for some- 
thing). What is it, Aunty? 

Mrs. H. I must have taken the coffee out. 
{Starts to rise.) 

3 



4 TEAM-WORK 

Edith {rising). I'll get it, Aunty. [Exit, r. 

Mk;s. H. Oh, thank you. 

Stew, {gallantly, offering biscuits). Mrs. Hodgkins, can't 
I tempt you ? 

Mrs. H. No, thank you. — Well, perhaps I will. {To 
EDTrH who is entering with coffeepot.) Edith, I guess I 
won't have the coffee now. 

(Edith starts back.) 

Shine. May I have some, Edith ? 

Edith {not impaiieiitly). Shine, you're a perfect nuisance. 

Stew. Oh, for heaven's sake give him some ; it may keep 
him awake. 

Dor. No need. He didn't sit in the hammock 'most all 
night the way some people did. 
, Edith {with coffee). Any one else ? 

Amy. Edith, may I have some corn-flakes ? 

Edith. There aren't any more. Bob's gone to bring some 
from the store. 

Stew. It's a good thing he's gone. Zowey ! This place 
is worse than an orphan asylum ! Nothing to eat ! I swear, 
I'll starve ! [^a-// Edith, r., laughing ; Mrs. H. shocked. 

Ruth. You'd better put some salt on those biscuits, Toot. 
You need it. 

Stew, {mouth too full for utterance, looking at Ruth). 
Um-hm ? {Reaches for biscuit.) After all 

Shine. That's right, you're after everything. 

(Amy and Dor. rise, excusing themselves.) 

Mrs. H. I think I'll let you finish alone; I have so much 
to do. 

Stew. Certainly, Mrs. Hodgkins, don't mind me. I 

alw {Telephone begins to ring. All stand and listen. 

Stew, rises and counts on fingers, then bus. of stopping it 
with pillow. Bell rings eleven times, after which girls begin 
to clear the table. ^^/V Mrs. H. S)Te.v^. stretches.) Eleven's 
not us ; they'll have to guess again. 

Ruth. Goodness ! I thought it was a fire. 

Stew, {strollitig about, lighting pipe) . Oh, no. They ring 
twenty-five for a fire. That's sportsmanlike. Gives the 
flames a chance, you know. 

{Stretches, and at last sits on bench, feet in chair.) 



TEAM-WORK 5 

Shine {7vho has started to help clear table"). Come on here, 
Toot. 

Stew. Out upon you, scullion ! 

Shine. What the deuce are you here for, anyway ? 

Stew. To help write your play, dearest one. 

Shine. Well, that's all right, but 

Dor. Shine, never mind these things. Get us some water, 
will you please ? 

Shine {cheerfully). You bet, [^Exit, R. 

Stew, {settling himself comfortably). Work, you galley 
slave. 

Amy {pausing in doorway, dish in hand). Where shall I 
put the butter ? 

Ruth. Leave it on the table. Mrs. Hodgkins will put it 

away. \_Exit Amy with butter. 

Stew. That's right, never do what you can get any one 

else to do. {Pause.) Put it on the stove and it will keep 

nice and warm. 

Ruth. Here, you get up and help. Toot. You haven't 
done a stroke of work since you came, you unearned increment. 
Stew, {rising, and grandiloquently). My dear Miss Sargent, 
advice is far superior to actual labor, {fielps Ruth to cover 
table, which he then fnoves up r. Strolls over l., while Ruth 
places books and papers from couch ofi table. Edith starts to 
sweep. Stew, picks up paddle from near door l., and whistles 
to attract Ruth's attention. She looks and he motions to door 
L. Bus. She shakes her head ; he insists, and finally she 
nods. He goes out L. Pause, while girls are busy about 
room. Stew, calls from without.) Ruth, where's the other 
paddle ? 

Ruth. Why, out there. 
Stew. Where ? — I don't see it. 
Ruth. Oh, dear ! 

\_Exit, L. Girls exchange glUnces and laugh. 
Edith. Isn't he the limit ? 

Amy. I know it ; it's killing. We'll have to do without 
Ruth, now. 

Edith. Well, never mind. It's my turn to help, anyway. 
Dor. Oh, say ! Did you think to tell Bob about the 
sugar ? 

Edith. No, I forgot all about it. What can we do ? 
Amy. Can't you telephone to the store and see if he's 
there ? 



6 TEAM-WORK 

Edith, Yes, but I'm afraid he's gone. 

( Goes over to telephone and rings, one long atid two short. ) 

Amy. Are all the telephones here on one line ? 

Edith. All but the railroad station and the — — Hello ! 
Mr. Bird ? — Has Bob Richards been there, Mr. Bird ? — Gone ? 
Oh, that's too bad. {Laughs.^ Yes; sugar this time. — 
Sugar, yes. — Took some? — He did? — Oh, all right. — Yes, 
lovely day, Mr. Bird. Good-bye. {Hangs up receiver.^ 

Dor. Did he get some ? 

Edith. Yes. I wonder how he knew? Maybe Aunty 
told him. He has to ask all the cooks. 

Enter Shine, l., with bucket of water. 

Dor. Oh, Shine, why didn't you come the other way? 
Shine {^part way across, halting and starting back). Well, 



Edith. Oh, look out ! You're spilling it ! 
Shine {confused). Gee whiz ! 

(Dor. takes pail and carries it out r.) 

Amy. How is your play getting along ? Have you finished 
fixing the last act ? 

Shine. No, not quite. You see, I've got to get my doctor 
on down stage, right, and there is nothing to motivate his en- 
trance except up stage, left, and I'm stuck. 

Amy {at a loss). Oh, ye-yes, of course When does it 

come off, anyway ? The play, I mean ? 

Shine. Some time between Thanksgiving and Christmas. 

Enter Dor., r. 

Edith. Oh, I do hope you'll win it ! 

Dor. Yes, won't it be great ! " Paint and Powder com- 
petition, won by William Jefferson Jordan." 

Amy. Big head-lines — " young author wins dramatic 
honors." 

Shine. Oh, pshaw ! Come on, Dot, let's play tennis. 

Dor. {to Edith). Is there anything else to do ? 

(Amy sits, 7vith magazine.) 
Edith. No, Amy and I'll do the rooms. It's our turn. 



TEAM-WORK 7 

(Shine takes iennis rackets and balls from bench L.) 

Shine. Come right now ? 

Dor. Yes, I guess I'm all right this way. 

Shine. Come on. \_Exeunt Dor. ««^/ Shine, l. 

Bob Richards {ivithoid). Hey, where'll I put this stuff? 

Amy. Oh, Bob's back. 

Edith. Why, put it on the table, of course. 

Bob {without). Table ! How can I when it's full of 
dishes? Hurry up, for heaven's sake! It's slipping! 
Hurry ! 

(Edith and Amy start for door.) 

Edith (screaming). Put it on the floor ! 

(Noise of falling objects without. Exit Edith ; Amy stands 
in the doorway.) 

Bob (without). It's on the floor now, anyway. 
Edith (without). Oh, Bob ! 

(Amy turns, laughing.) 

Bob {same). Look out, don't step in it ! 

Amy (calling). Bob, did 1 get any mail? 

Bob {same). Yes ; wait a second and I'll bring it in. 

Edith (without). Aunty, are you ready to do the dishes? 

Mrs. H. (without). In a minute. 

Enter Bob, r., with letters. 

Bob. Here it is. (Shakes post-card at Amy.) 
Amy. Oh, is that all ! 

Bob. Yes ; I guess he's forgotten you this week. 
Amy (reproachfully). Bob ! 

Bob (looking over mail). Here's one for Ruth. I hope she 
won't have to go. 

(Throws letters on table and sits on bench L., with Amy. 
He is fingering a letter which he holds in his hand.) 

Amy {looking at hifu). This is just from sister. 
Bob (resting head on hand). Oh ! 
Amy. What's the matter, Bob? 
Bob. Nothing. 



8 TEAM-WORK 

Amy. Then why don't you talk? 

Bob (rising and crossing). I don't feel much like talking, 
somehow. 

Amy. Did you get a letter, too ? 

Bob. Yes; from father, that's all. (Si is again.) 

Amy. Oh ! (Pause.) Oh, Bob, I've been reading the aw- 
fuUest story ! It's one of those war-time stories about a girl 
who is engaged to a Union soldier, and she pretends she cares 
for a Confederate officer in order to — to save her lover from 
being caught. And when the Union man finds out that she 
has let the Southerner flirt with her, he won't have anything to 
do with her. I don't believe any man would be so horrid, do 
you ? 

Bob (absently). Perhaps not. 

Amy. I think if a girl cared for a man she would do almost 
anything, just to protect him ; but this man wouldn't listen. — 
I hate a story like that, — don't you? 

Bob (more absently). M-m-m. 

Amy (offended). Bob Richards, you mean thing I You 
haven't heard a word 1 said ! 

Bob. Yes I have. Amy. Excuse me, but I — I was thinking. 

Amy, You Bob, what's the trouble? I know it's 

something. — Won't you tell me? 

Bob. I can't. Amy. At least not yet. 

Amy. You never tell me a thing ! Why can't you tell me? 
Is it that football business ? 

Bob (pacing the room). No, not football. It's — I can't tell 
you. But I do tell you things, — a great many. You know 
I do. 

Amy. I don't think so. You could tell me this if you 
wanted to, but you won't, and it's mean of you. 

Bob. I wish I could. Perhaps to-night, when we go to the 
village. I can't tell you now. 

Amy (piqued). I'm not sure that o/i? are going to the village 
to-night. You just won't tell me — I shall have to give Ruth 
her letter. [Rising, takes letter from table.) Perhaps you 
can think better by yourself. [Starts out door r.) 

Bob. Don't be so unreasonable. I'll explain why I can't 
tell you yet. 

Amy (coming back to door l.). No, never mind. 

Bob. But you'll see when I tell you. 

Amy. No, I don't want to hear it. \^Exit, L. 

Bob (aside). Now isn't that just like a woman ? 



TEAM-WORK 9 

{Begins to pace floor,') 
Enter Edith with sewing- bag, r. 

Edith. Well, here's the lion in the cage again. Have you 
had your raw meat yet ? 

Bob (angrily). Never mind ! Can't you ever open your 
mouth without saying something disagreeable ? 

( Continues pacing.) 

Edith {coming down, laughing). Oh, nonsense, Bob. 
What have you said to her now ? 

Bob. Not a darn thing ! 

Edith. Well, then, I don't blame her. You've got to talk 
to a girl, you know. 

Bob. Oh, bosh ! Girls are about as consistent as — as a 
weather bureau ! 

Edith. Well, you know you say yourself that "consistency 
is the bugbear of little minds." Don't take everything so 
seriously. Bob, and especially girls — 2X your age. 

Bob. I guess I'm not starting anything serious for a good 
while yet, the way things look now. 

Edith. Now ? What do you mean ? 

Bob. Well, I may not get my degree yet a while, for one 
thing. 

Edith (wonder ingly). Why, what are you talking about, 
— studies, or — or football, — or what ? 

Bob. What, I guess. 

Edith. Oh, be sensible ! What is it ? 

Bob. This football's a joke compared to what's coming 
when we get out. Dad's getting his now, and he was a foot- 
ball man himself. 

Edith. " Getting his " ! How? 

Bob. Say, did you get your mail over on the table ? 

Edith. No; was there something for me? Why didn't 
you tell me? (Goes to table and picks up post-cards.) Oh, 
only postal cards. (She glances over them. Bob has taken let- 
ter from pocket which he is reading. Edith turns and sees 
him.) Oh, is that 

Bob. I guess I'll let you read this letter from Dad. I didn't 
think I would at first. 

(Hands letter to Edith, which she reads.) 



10 TEAM-WORK 

Edith {reading, half audibly at first). "Means certain 
failure."— Why, Bob ! — " Certain failure unless I can come to 
terms in two weeks." — ■"Haven't much faith in Humphrey, 
for he wants the plant." — Why, what if he does, Bob, if father 
doesn't want to sell ? 

Bob. You read on. Humphrey is vice-president of that 
railroad, that's all. 

Edith (reading). Oh, yes, I see, — " vice-president of the 
K. and B." 

Bob. Surely, and he wants to force father to sell by threat- 
ening to tear up the rails. 

Edith. Why, Bob, this is terrible ! What can he do ? 

Bob. Do? He can't do anything but prove to some one 
higher up that his business pays for the up-keep of the railroad. 
Read that last paragraph ; — read it out loud. 

Edith {reading). "The vice-president asserts that since 
Elton's decline as a lumbering town, there is not enough business 
provided by my cement works to justify the continuance of the 
spur track. If I cannot prove that he is wrong, my failure is 
certain. ' ' Isn' t that 

Bob. There you have it. He's absolutely helpless if 
Humphrey is unscrupulous. 

Edith. But is it really as bad as he says ? Will it mean 
complete failure ? 

Bob. I'm devilish afraid so, or Dad wouldn't write me this 
way. He almost never writes me about business troubles. 

Edith. Poor Dad. Just think ! 

Bob. But who do you suppose this vice-president is ? 

Edith. Why, I hadn't thought. Who? — His name is — 
{consulting letter) Humphrey. — Why, Bob, it isn't 

Bob. Arnold M. Humphrey ! 

Edith. Arnold M. ? — Why, that's 

Bob. Harold Humphrey's uncle. 

Edith. Why, for mercy's sake ! And Harold's coming 
here to-morrow ! Does he know it ? 

Bob. Do you mean what his uncle's doing? No, I don't 
believe he does. 

Edith. What will you do ? Shall you tell him ? 

Bob. I don't know, — maybe. What good'll it do, though? 

Edith. Well, it would make it unpleasant for him ; — but 
then he may have some influence with his uncle. 

Bob. Pshaw S I don't believe it. 

Edith. Well, let's not tell him. 



team-work: 1 1 

Bob. All right, we won't. I guess that's the best way. 
Enter Stew. «7/^/Ruth, l., Stew, with broken paddle. 

Stew. That's it, just one rock in the whole pond, and you 
had to find it ! 

Ruth. And you had to steer me right over it and then turn 
me round. Of course I broke it. 

Edith. Oh, did you break a paddle? 

Stew. Look at this what the big boss did ! Busted the 
paddle right in halves. 

Ruth {statnping her foot). It was all your fault! You 
ought not to make me paddle, lazy ! I ahvays have to paddle ! 

Stew. Haven't I been paddling you around this pond for 
the last two weeks, lazy ? You'll be so fat you can't waddle ! 

Ruth. I'm not- fat, you awful thing ! 

Stew. Yes, you are. 

Ruth. No, I'm not ! {Bus. of both talking at once.) 

Stew. You're a sight ! 

Ruth. No, I'm not ! 

Bob. Come, come, children, that will never do. 

( Walks toward them.) 

Stew. Well, have you got any tape? 

Bob. Yes, I guess so, in that bench. 

Stew, {going to bench). Look out ! {Paws into bench.) 

Ruth. I'd just like to push you in. 

Stew. Don't you dare. {Finds tape.) Here you are. 
Now fix it. {Hands paddle and tape to Ruth, who looks 
from them to him. Bus.) Well? — Oh, Lord, let me have it. 

(Takes them from her and both sit on bench.) 

Edith. Now that the children are quiet, I'll go and help 
Aunty. Don't quarrel any more, little ones. \_Exit, r. 

Bob. I'm not going to stay here and take care of them. 
{To Stew.) Have you seen Amy, Toot? 

Stew, {without looking up from his work). Huh ? Now, 
hold this. {Bus.) 

Edith {from kitchen). Bob ! 

Bob. Hello? 

Edith. Come and open this jar, will you ? 

Bob, Yep. [Exit, r. 



12 TEAM-WORK 

(Stew, binding paddle, Ruth siiiing close to him ; bus.') 

Stew. There, I guess that'll hold her for a while. 

Ruth. I don't see why girls can't do things like that. 

Stew. Pshaw, you could do that yourself, if you only 
thought you could. — Say, push over and give a fellow room to 
breathe, will you? 

(Ruth gets over to very end of bench and looks dignified.') 
Enter Shine, l. ; goes c, with left hand over eye. 

Shine. Gee ! That looks pretty good for a lovers' quarrel. 
Guess I'll take that down. i^Feels in pocket for pencil which 
he does not find. ) If I can find 

Stew. I^overs' quarrel ! Huh ! You look as though you've 
had a married man's quarrel ! What's the matter, anyway? 

Shine. Oh, Dot tried to lay me out with a tennis ball, 
that's all. Are there any more tennis balls in the house? 

Stew. Not a darn one. What did you do with those you 
took out this morning ? 

Shine, Oh, we batted them into the bushes. S'pose we've 
got to find them. You two don't want to forget that rehearsal 
to-night. 

Stew. Say, you and your play give me an awful pain. 
Do you know it ? 

Shine. If it will make you take pains with //, that's all I 
care. \_Exit, l. 

Stew. That fellow Shine pulls off some of the rankest puns 
I ever heard. {Looks at ^xiiYi.. Pause.') Well? 

Ruth, It isn't well ! You say some of the worst things ! 
I think you ought to paddle me all around the lake this after- 
noon for that. Room to breathe ! 

Stew. Very well. We'll do anything for a lady. Will 
that clear my character? 

Ruth. It may, if you stop saying such things. But you've 
got to clear it pretty quick. I'm going — to-morrow or next 
day. {Rises ; goes r.) 

Stew. Ruth, you aren't really, are you ? 

Ruth. Yes, I am. 

Stew. What for? You don't have to go, 

Ruth. I do, too. You don't treat me half well, — and 
mother wrote for me to, anyway. 



TEAM-WORK 1 3 

Stew. Aw, gee, kid, come on and stay ! I'll be great ! 

No, but seriously, you'll stay, won't you ? 
Ruth. I can't, unless: 

(Honk of automobile witJiout. Ruth and Stew, go to the 
door L. and look out.') 

Stew. What do you know ? An automobile in this dump ! 

Enter Bob, r. 

Bob. Ha-ha ! What the deuce ever dragged you out of 
that seat ? 

Stew, {ignoring the question ; not turning). Did you hear 
that? 

Bob. Hear what ? 

Ruth. Why, that toot. 

Bob. Toot who? 

Stew, {turning). Institoot, you leather dome ! Didn't you 
hear the auto ? 

Bob. Humph! Didn't you ever hear one of those before? 

(Stew, and Ruth cross to cotich, r.) 

Stew. No, not here. \Exit Bob, l. 

Ruth. Oh, I suppose it was just passing by. 

Stew. Yeah, but you don't see anything but the butcher 
cart and berry peddlers around here. I'd give him a nickel to 
let me smell the gasoline. 

Enter Amy, l., hurriedly. 

Amy. Oh, say, who's got an automobile up here? I just 
saw the dandiest looking fellow go by in a big red car — all 
alone, too. I was sitting on that big rock, and he kept look- 
ing at me until I just couldn't help smiling. Do you know 
who he is? 

Ruth. Why, no. We heard the horn, didn't we. Toot? 

Stew. Yes. Probably some one from the other side of the 
lake. Here's the tennis team. {Enter Dou., and Shine 
with one eye discolored.) Oh, will you look at the peeper on 
Shine! 

Ruth. Why, Shine ! 

Amy. Goodness ! How did you do that ? 

Shine. Oh, I just 

Dou. Look, isn't it fierce? We were out on the tennis 



14 TEAM-WORK 

court, and I hit it awful hard, and it went right square in 
his eye. 

Stew. The tennis court ? 

Dor. No, the ball ! See how dark it is ! 

Stew. The ball? 

(Dor. stamps her foot at him.^ 

Ruth (wincing). Isn't it sore ? 

Amy. Does it pain you ? 

Shine. No, that's nothing. I 



Enter Edith, r. 

Dor. Course it hurts. Let me put some hammemelis on 
it, Shine. 

Stew. Sure, that'll kill germs — anaboena, uroglena, ba- 
cillus typhosus — all of 'em. Ought to have it. Shine. 

Shine. Oh, go on, Toot. 

Edith. What's the matter ? Oh, your eye. 

(All crowd around Shine.) 

Dor. I almost put his eye out with a tennis ball. Is there 
any hammemelis, Edith ? 

(H. Gardner Humphrey appears in door l. clad in auto- 
mobile togs, suit-case in hand. Others do not see him.) 

Shine. Oh, the deuce with hammer-melis. My eye's ham- 
mered enough already. 

'S)rE'W. (^profoundly reproachful). Oh, Shine! (Turns away.) 
Edith. Yes, I'll get you something for it. See how it's 
swollen. 

(All interested in Shine's eye do not see Hum. until he sud- 
denly drops suit-case with a bang. All turn quickly.) 

Hum. (supplying all conversation). How do you do, every- 
body? Nicely, thank you. Make yourself at home. Sure. 

(Walks into centre of room.) 

Stew. Look who's here ! How the deuce are you, old 
scout? (Goes over ; shakes hands.) 

Hum. Never better. How are you, Toot? 



TEAM-WORK 1 5 

Edith. Why, Mr. Humphrey ! {Shakes hands.') How 
long have you been there ? {Dialogue rapid and run together.') 

Shine. Hello, Gardner. How's the boy ? 

Hum. Not long, Miss Richards. {To Shine.) Ah there, 
author. How are you ? 

{All the while looking at Amy, who is back.) 

Ruth. How do you do, Mr. Humphrey ? Was that your 
horn we heard ? 

Hum. I guess so ; I've got the machine here. 

Dor. I didn't think you were coming till to-morrow. 

Hum. My machine went on the blink, so I got here a day 
early. 

Stew. Go on ! What are you talking about ? 

Shine. Gee ; it must have needed repairs to develop a day's 
speed that way. 

Hum. That's right. You see, I had to take father's car, 
and brought the family part way — they're bound for York 
Beach. 

Stew, I guess you started early this morning, didn't you ? 

Hum. {looking at Amy). Yes — that is — no. What ? 

Edith. Oh, Mr. Humphrey, have you met Miss Granby ? 
Excuse me ! I thought 

Hum. {advancing). Well, no ; not really. Glad to know 
you. Miss Granby. 

{Shakes hands and steps r., talking to her. She does not 
seem especially interested, but converses politely.) 

Edith. Any one know where Bob is? 

Ruth. Why, yes, he went out a little while ago. 

Shine. I'll go find him. [Exit, l. 

Enter Mrs. H., r. 

Edith. Oh, Aunty, Mr. Humphrey has come, — the foot- 
ball manager, you know. 

Mrs. H. Oh, has he? [^Exit T>ov<.. , r. 

(Edith takes Mrs. H. over to where Hum. and Amy are.) 

Edith. Mr. Humphrey. (Hum. does not turn. Stew. 
whistles. Hum. pays no attentioii. Edith touches Hum. on 
arm and 'Huu. turns.) Aunty, this is Mr. Humphrey, — Mrs. 
Hcd.;kins; Mr^ Humphrey* 



1 6 TEAM-WORK. 

Hum. I'm very glad to meet you, Mrs. Hodgkins. 

Mrs. H. How do you do, Mr. Humphrey? Was it you / 
who came in the car? / 

Hum. Oh, yes. (^Staris to turn away.^ 

Mrs. H. Did you have a pleasant trip ? 

Hum. Ob, yes, — yes; very. {Fidgets.') 

Mrs. H. VVeh, 1 shall have your room ready for you in a 
few minutes. 

Hum. Thank you, I'm sure. {Turns away.') 

(Mrs. H. takes step toward door R., then turns back.) 

Mrs. H. If you {Sees Hum. engaged.) Well, never 

mind. \_Exit, r. 

(Stew. a//^RuTH are seated on conchy r.) 

Edith {to Ruth). Did Bob say where he was going ? 

{Goes to door L.) 

Ruth. Why, no; he 



Edith. Here he comes now. 

{Holds screen door open for Bob, then Shine enters. Bob 
walks across to Hum.) 

Bob. Hello, Humphrey, how are you? 

(Amy walks across stage.) 

Hum. (with more enthusiasm). Why, hello, Bob ! Gee, 
I'm glad to see you ! How are you, anyway ? 

Bob. All right. How's everything at the hill? 

Hum. Pretty good. I was out there the other day. Foot- 
ball doesn't look very good, though. 

Bob. Why? Isn't Haywood coming back? 

Hum. He's on pro. 

Bob. Hni ! How about Saunders? 

Hum. On pro. 

Bob. The deuce ! and Raymond ? 

Hum. On pro. 

Bob. The devil ! 

Edith. Do you know anything about Mr. Reed and Mr. 
Wilkins ? 

Hum, Fired ; both ! 



TEAM-WORK 1 7 

Edith. They are ? 

Bob. Oh, Lord ! (JPause.^ How's the tackling dummy ? 

Hum. Oh, that may turn out for practice. 

Bob. Well, make yourself at home. I've got some things 

to do, and 

Edith. Yes, do, Mr. Humphrey. 
Hum, Oh, sure; I've started already. 
Bob. All right. 

{Turns leaves of hook on table. Edith touches objects about 
room. Hum. looks from Bob to Amy.) 

Shine. Say, Toot, where'd I lay that tennis racket? 
Stew. I don't know. What do you want to do with a ten- 
nis racket, get another black eye ? 

(Shine //V^ J up racket.^ 

Shine. No, make a racket as noisy as this one. 

{Laughs ; exit, r.) 

Amy. Bob, — would you mind — had you just as soon — can- 
cel the engagement we made for this evening ? 

Bob. Why — yes, I suppose so, if you wish it. But may I 
ask ? 

Amv. Well, you see, Mr. — Humphrey has asked some of 
us to go for a ride in his car. 

Bob. Oh ! To be sure. Don't consider me for a moment. 

Hum. Oh, say. Bob, don't let me interfere; come along 
with us, won't you? If it makes any difference 

Bob. Thanks, but I don't care to ride. No difference in 
the world, of course. {Laughs a bit disagreeably.^ 

Amy. Why won't you come, Bob ? 

Bob. I tell you I don't care to go. I don't mind breaking 
dates — not at all ! 

Amy {piqued'). Oh! — Then in that case We shall 

be ready right after supper, Mr. Humphrey. \Exit, u. 

{During the conversation Stew, and Ruth have been en- 
gaged in a discussion of their own. Their voices now be- 
come audible and then loud.) 

Ruth. Why, Stewart Almy, I'm not ' 
Stew. You are, too, I tell you ! 
Ruth. I'm not, either 1 



i8 



i 


TEAM-WORK. 


Stew. 


Yes, you are ! 


E.UTH. 


I'm not ! 


Stew. 


You are ! 


Ruth. 


I'm not ! 


Stew. 


You are ! 


Ruth. 


Not ! Not ! 


Stew. 


Are ! Are ! 



(Edith interrupts by clapping her hands.") 

Edith. Isn't it terrible to have children quarrel that way? 
If you don't stop this, I shall send you off to bed without any 
dinner. 

Hum. Have to put pepper on their tongues, I guess. 

Ruth. Well, I don't care ; he makes me tired. 

Hum. All the more reason you should go to bed. 

Stew. Oh, gee whiz ! We can never scrap in peace. 
What are we sticking in here for, anyway ? Come on outdoors 
until dinner time. {Rises. ^ 

Ruth. I don't want to. 

Stew. Yes, you do, too. Come on ! 

{Takes her by the hand and pulls until she yields.) 

Ruth. All right; lead on, McGinty. 

\^Exeunt l., laughing. 

Hum. That looks like a bad case, doesn't it, Bob ? 

Bob. Ye-es. 

Hum. How long have you been here? 

Bob. I dunno. Week, maybe. 

Edith. Two weeks to-morrow. They all came then. 

Hum. {looking at Bob). I see. 

Edith {picking up HuM.'s coat and cap). I'm going to 
hang your things up in the hall, so you'll know where to find 
them. 

Hum. Oh, all right. \^Exit Edith, r. 

Bob {offering cigarettes). Will you smoke, Humphrey? 

Hum. {feeling coat pockets). 1 guess I'll try my pipe, Bob, 
thanks — left it in my duster. {Starts out v^.y meeting Km.\.) 
Excuse me. 

{Stands back to admit Amv, who enters ; then Hum. exits, R.) 

Amy {going U Bob). Why won't you go to ride with us, 
Bob? 



TEAM-WORK 1 9 

Bob. No, thanks. That's your little party. I don't want 
to butt in. 

Amy. Oh, nonsense. He just asked me if some of us would 
like to go. I thought of course you'd go. 

Bob. Was that all your little conversation with him as I 
came in ? 

Amy (laughing). Aren't you the old silly? — I suppose I ought 
to be very indignant, but — but you're too funny ! {Laughs.') 

Bob (stiffly). Well, perhaps I don't know what I'm talking 
about, but — but — hang it, you can make a better hit with him 
alone, that's all. Go on and make it. 

Amy. Bob Richards, you're unjust, and unkind, and un- 
fair, and, what's more, you're as mean to me as you can be ! 

l^Exit quickly, L. 

(Bob walks slowly down stage as Hum. enters r., filling 
pipe.) 

Hum. How are you feeling to start the season, Bob ? 

Bob (without turning). Start the season? All right, I 
guess. 

Hum. Well, by Jove, you're not acting right. You seem 
terribly sour. What's wrong, anyway? 

Bob. Sour? Why shouldn't I be sour? More than half 
the men on the team on pro. How the deuce do you expect to 
have a team ? 

Hum. (relieved). Oh, is that it? Well, we've got some 
good men coming in, and some good second-stringers. Be- 
sides, you needn't get sore at me. It isn't my fault. Cuss the 
faculty ; that's the regular way. 

Bob. I think it is your fault. You ought to have been 
keeping every one of those men up in his work last spring. 

Hum. Why, for heaven's sake ! I did all I could, and 
you know it. I can't study for 'em, nor take exams, either. 
Reed and Wilkins were in line to get canned anyway ; ex- 
pected it yourself; — must have talked about 'em, for your 
sister asked about 'era the first thing. 

Bob. Those two, yes. Well, perhaps those two — but I 
don't believe you ever did much for Haywood or Raymond — 
in fact, I know you didn't. I used to see them myself. The 
first thing I know I'll have to post the call for candidates my- 
self. 

Hum. Oh, come, come ! Forget it. I want a winning 



20 TEAM-WORK 

team just as much as you do, and I've worked for it, too. As 
it is we've got five mighty good old men out for it. 

Bob. I don't know about that. Four, maybe. 

Hum. Five. j 

Bob. Four. ( 

Hum. How the devil do you make that out? There's you,' 
and Schneider, and Wilson, and Bates, and Harrison. 

Bob. Better count me out of it. 

Hum. What ? 

Bob. I say you'd better not count me. 

Hum. Why — why — what in blazes do you mean ? Why 
shouldn't I count you ? 

Bob. Because I may not be back. 

Hum. For heaven's sake, Bob, what are you saying ? Not 
coming back? JV/ij aren't you ? Do you mean it ? 

Bob. Do you think I am in the habit of saying things like 
that for effect ? 

Hum. No, no, Bob; but tell me. It isn' l studies ? 

Bob. No, it isn't studies — I didn't intend to tell you, but 
if you must know, it's money ! Money ! Hard cash, do you 
see? 

Hum. Oh ! — Why, rats. Bob, you don't mean to say a 
year's expenses are going to stand between you and a degree ? 

Bob. Well, pretty nearly that, yes. 

Hum. But why ? It will take you longer to explain why 
you left college than to get a degree. Isn't your father willing 
to pay them? 

Bob. Willing ? Of course he's willing, — but he may not 
be able to, that's the point. 

Hum, Why, Bob ! That's tough ! What's happened? 

Bob. Well, it looks as though he'd be completely cleaned 
out, that's all. 

Hum. Jove ! Tell us about it, can't you ? 

Bob. Why — I guess it won't do any harm. You see, my 
father owns a cement works on the spur line of a railroad run- 
ning to what used to be a prospering lumber town. This timber 
is getting cut down and the place is about all run out, so the 
railroad intends to tear up the spur. 

Hum. You say he's on a spur running to this place ? What 
is it? 

Bob. Yes, Elton, 

Hum. Well, — why can't they just tear up beyond his plant 
and leave the rest ? 



TEAM-WORK. 21 

Bob. They won't do it because they say that his freight 
wouldn't pay them. 

Hum. Oh ! It's just a small plant ? 

Bob. No, that isn't the trouble. The fact is, the vice- 
president of the railroad wants the control of the cement 
business in that section, and he's using his position to oust my 
father. 

Hum. Oh, for heaven's sake ! That's rotten ! Is there 
really business enough there to pay expenses ? 

Bob. Of course there is. Otherwise this fellow wouldn't 
want it. 

Hum. Well, I don't believe he can get it — not legally. 
Does he really intend to freeze your father out ? 

Bob. He says so. 

Hum. Well, if that isn't raw ! I don't see how such men 
^et the positions they do. You know, my uncle, Arnold 
Humphrey, is the vice-president of a railroad — and he'd no 

more think of such a deal I'm going to write him about 

it, if you don't mind. 

Bob. I'd rather you wouldn't. But Humphrey ! Er — you 
might be interested to know what this road is. It's called the 
K. and B. 

Hum, K. and B? 

Bob. Yes, and the vice-president, — is your Uncle Arnold ! 



CURTAIN 



ACT II 

SCENE. — The dining-room, the next day at dusk. The table 
is covered with books and papers, and stands in centre of 
r 00771. Enter Edith, r., with a lighted match, and lights 
hanging lamp. Bus. of setting table to rights. Exit, r. 
Pause. E7iter Amy, r. , book in hand. Sits at table, and 
begins to read. E7iter Dor. a7id Ruth, a7tit7iated. 

Ruth. Oh, Amy, we caught two beauties ! 
Dor. Big ones, too ! Mine was about so long. 

{Measures with hands.) 

Ruth. I'd just barely put my hook in the water when I got 
the biggest bite ! 

Dor. Goodness, when mine started to pull, I thought 

Ruth. And I didn't have my line fastened, and almost 
tipped the boat over. 

Dor. Poor Shine has the awfullest time 

Ruth {laughing). Shine pricked his hand, and almost 
swore. He's going to clean them for breakfast. 

Amy. Isn't that great ! What are they, bass or pickerel? 

Dor. No, they're What did Shine say they were ? 

Ruth. I don't know. Some kind of 

Dor. Oh, pout, — hornpout. 

Amy. Ugh! Are those good to eat ? 

Tj .' [• (indig7ia7itly). Course they are ! 

Amy. Heavens ! Do they cut the horns off? 

Ruth. Ye-es ! 

Dor. Billy got pricked by one of the old horns. We made 
him take 'em off. 

Amy. Didn't Bob go with you ? 

Dor. No; I don't know where he went. 

Ruth. I saw him going toward the village all alone. 
What's the matter with him, anyway ? He acts as though he 
had a black grouch. 

Amy. I don't see what else it is. I just said I'd like to go 
autoing last night instead of walking, and he was as snippish 
as he could be ! I guess it's a good thing we couldn't go. 

22 



TEAM-WORK 23 

Dor. Oh, I don't think it's that at all, Amy. In fact I 
know it isn't. Edith told me all about it last night when we 
were going to bed. 

Ruth. Well, for goodness' sake, what is it ? 

Amy. It's about football, isn't it ? 

Dor, Football? No! That is, — yes; — well, partly. 

Ruth. What, then ? He isn't usually just an ordinary 
sorehead, and of course he isn't in love. 

(Amy assumes conscious attitude and fidgets.) 

Dor. No, he isn't this way usually. {Confidentially.') 
But you know his father has had some financial trouble. 

Ruth. Yes ; Toot said some man was trying to force him 
to sell his business at a loss. 

Amy. Oh ! I didn't know. — But why should he be so 
chilly to Mr. Humphrey — and the rest of us ? 

Dor. No, not the rest of us — ^just Humphrey. That's 
where the trouble is. The man who is trying to do Mr. 
Richards is Arnold M. Humphrey, Gardner Humphrey's uncle. 

Amy. His uncle ! 

Ruth. Arnold M. Humphrey ! How do you know ? 

Dor. That's what Edith told me. Isn't it terrible? Bob 
has to entertain Humphrey, and he can't go until his machine's 
fixed. 

Amy. My ! That does put Bob in a hard place ! 

Ruth. Did Humphrey know about it before he came ? 

Dou. No, Bob told him. 

Ruth. Then I think it's harder for him than for Bob. Of 
course he wants to go, and he can't without leaving his 
machine. 

Dor. Yes, but poor Bob and Edith ! If their father fails 
they probably won't go back to school until he's on his feet 
again. 

Amy. Why ? Did they say so ? 

Dor. Bob did. And I know Edith would follow suit. 
Just think how he must feel toward that Arnold M. Humphrey ! 

Ruth. Well, I don't care; I don't see why he needs to 
take it out of Gardner Humphrey. And I think it would have 
been a much finer thing in Bob Richards if he hadn't told 
Humphrey about it as soon as he got here. 

Amy. Yes. I can't understand that, quite. 

Dor. {indignantly). He didn't tell him as soon as he got 



24 TEAM-WORK. 

here. They were discussing football candidates, and Bob had 
to say that he wasn't coming back. Of course, Gardner wanted 
to know why, and he had to tell. 

Ruth. I don't see why, just the same. 

Dor. Well, suppose he'd just said he wasn't coming back 
and wouldn't tell why, — what would you think ? 

Ruth. I mean that he needn't have told that about Hum- 
phrey's uncle. 

Amy. Perhaps he had to; maybe Humphrey thought he 
could do something. 

Dor. He did until he found out it was his uncle, and then 
he said he couldn't do a thing. 

Amy. Couldn't! I don't see why. I should think he 
could influence his uncle not to spoil his friend's father's busi- 
ness sooner than any one else. Did they really ask him to 
write his uncle about it ? 

Dor. Yes, one of the boys did, but Humphrey came out 
against it flat-footed, — said he would do nothing of the kind. 

Amy. Oh, I don't see why. Think how hard it will be for 
Bob and Edith. They've always had everything, and it hasn't 
spoiled them a bit. I've a good mind to ask Gardner myself! 

Ruth. Why, Amy, you scarcely know him ! 

Amy. What of that ? Losing a degree by one year is 
worth struggling against, and I know that Bob would never 
borrow a cent nor ask a favor. 

Ruth. Well, anyway, I think it's too bad; those fellows 
have always been such good friends. I don't see why this had 
to happen after we've had such a good time. 

Dor. It is too bad ; it certainly is. ' 

( Voices of Shine and Stew, heard approaching. Enter 
Stev/. with arm bandaged, followed by Shine. Stew., 
holding bandaged arm, sinks into chair. ^ 

Stew. O-o h ! 

Ruth. How's your arm. Toot ? 

Stew, {shaking his head). Oh, terrible ! Terrible shape ! 
Terrible 1 

(Shine sits r. c, and unrolls handkerchief from thumb.) 

Amy. I guess you'd better have it bandaged again to-night. 

Stew, {tvith a martyr' s sigh). I s'pose so ! 

Dor. (J0 Shine). Billy, is your hand pricked badly ? 



TEAM-WORK 2$ 

Shine. No, I keep it wrapped up to excite pity, that's all. 
Dor. No, but really ? 

{Goes up to him. They exchange smiles. 'RxsTU. has brought 
cushions which she places under Stew.'s arm. Bus.^ 

Stew, (wincing). Oo ! That's too hard ! Bring that other 
e, — please. 

(Ruth removes pillow and brings another.) 

Ruth. This one ? 

Stew. No, the red one. (Ruth brings another pillow. 
Bus.) Oh ! that's better. 

Amv. I guess it's a good thing you decided to stay, Ruth. 
No one else could nurse him that way. 

Ruth. I should say as much. He needs more attention 
than an infant — and he isn't half so cunning. 

Stew, {grumbling). Well, you oughter stay and look after 
me. Anybody that'll advance the spark 'way up when a 
feller's cranking a machine — gee whiz ! 

Ruth. Well, how could I know that if you just push a 
little bit of a handle it would make something else hit your 
arm ? 

Stew. Yes, pushed the spark way up ! Hump told you 
not to touch anything. If all six cylinders had been working, 
you'd 'a' busted my arm all to smithereens ! And you might 
'a' put the engine on the blink, too ! 

Enter Edith, r. 

Ruth. It's on the blink now, the nasty thing. 

YjTinvL [clapping her hands). Children! Children! I can't 
leave them alone a minute but they start fighting ! 

Dor. Oh, but it's safe enough while Toot has that arm. 
He's like Jeffries — he can't come back. 

Amy [reproachfully). Dorothy ! 

Shine. Can't com-bat, did you say ? That's a good one. 
Ha ! ha ! ha ! Jot that down, somebody. Com-bat, come- 
back. Ha ! ha ! 

Stew, {pleadingly). Oh, won't some kind, gentle lady 
punish that punster ? 

Shine. Oh, Stewart, what barbar-ism — to cut me off that 
way ! 



26 TEAM-WORK 

Stew, {waving both arms). Oh, help ! help ! 

Ruth. Stewart Almy, your arm ! 

Stew, {recovering himself). Oh, Lord ! I forgot ! 

Edith. Shine, you do manufacture some of the worst puns 
I ever imagined. You'd pun on anything. 

Dor. 1 think he would, really. 

Stew. Go ahead, Shine; try one on Mephistopheles. 

Shine. Mephistopheles !— Why, — that's as easy as doub- 
ling up my fist, — and I can double up meh-fist-offul-easy ! 

{Suits action to words. Laughter and excitement, during 
which Bob and Hum. enter l. Hum. has a package in 
his hand. The laughter ceases at once, except for Stew. , 
who does not see them come in. Bob cotnes down to table 
and looks at Stew,, then looks at Shine inquiringly, tap- 
ping forehead. Shine nods. Hum. stands near fireplace.) 

Bob {going over to Stew, and touching him). That's all 
right, old man, they need a crazy man in the show. 

Stew, {looking up). Hello, Bob, who let you out ? Where's 
your bosom friend ? 

Bob. Friend ? Whom do you mean ? 

Enter Mrs. H. 

Stew, {starting to speak, then turning and seeing Hum.). 
Why, Hu-huh-huh — how — where did you come from ? 

Amy {rising). Mrs. Hodgkins, have my seat. 

Mrs. H. Oh, no, thank you ! {Walks to Amy's chair.) 

Amy. Yes, do. 

Mrs. H. Well, perhaps I will. These evenings are quite 
chilly. {Sits. Every one is silent.) Why, aren't you folks 
cold ? 

Stew, {jumping up). Ye-es — I knew there was something 
the matter. {Beats arms.) 

Ruth {darting toivard him). Stewart ! 

Stew, {starting and looking at her). What ? 

Ruth. Your arm ! 

Stew, {moving toward fireplace). Oh, hang the arm ! I'd 
rather have it broken than paralyzed. {Looks at Hum.) Am 
I in your way, Hump? 

Hum. I don't know. What are you going to do ? 

{Places package on mantel ; goes L.) 



TEAM-WORK 27 

Stew. Goin* to pick bananas. {Sfoops at fireplace to light 
fire.') Want to come? {To Ruth, who is standing by him.') 
What zx^ you goin' to do ? 

Ruth. I thought you'd want an assistant. 

Edith. Say, girls, let's make some candy. {Rises.') 

Shine. Good idea! — But how about the sugar? Isn't it 
all gone? 

Edith. Bob got some. Come on, girls. 

Stew, [getting tip, rubbing eyes, coughing ; fireplace smokes). 
Whew ! Push over and give the breeze a chance. 

{To Ruth.) 

(Stew, goes to door l. Edith exits, r. ) 

Hum. What's the matter. Toot, did one of those bananas 
hit you ? 

Dor. Let me make it, Edith; you needn't. Come on, 
Ruth. [^^-/Z Dor., R. 

Edith {without). Aunty, where's the chocolate ? My, 
this fire's hot ! 

Mrs. H. Why, it's right in that drawer. Right under 

Never mind, I'll get it. 

{Rises and exits R. Amy goes to right of fireplace. Hum. 
is smoking at left of fireplace.) 

Amy. That's going to go all right. 

Stew. Come and help the cooks, Ruth. The football 
interests can stay here. [^Exeunt Stew., Ruth and Shine. 

{Strained silence in the room while Amy watches Hum. and 
Bob, She starts toward Bob when Edith steps inside 
door R.) 

Edith. Bob, did you lock the wood-shed ? 

Bob. Yes. 

Edith. What did you do with the key ? 

Bob {slapping pocket). Oh, I have it here. I'll unlock it. 

\_Exeunt Bob atid Edith, r. 

Amy {softly). Mr. Humphrey. 

Hum. {coming toward her). Yes, Miss Granby? 

Amy. Why won't you do — what you can — to — to help 
Bob's father? 

Hum. {jvith a laugh). Are you interested in that proposi- 
tion, too? 



28 TEAM-WORK 

Amy. I know that you want a winning team, and I know 
that BDb's running and punting will help it a lot — won't they? 

Hum. Yes, but — let's not talk about this ; I don't believe 
you understand the situation. Why should a railroad vice- 
president be influenced by the sentimental whim of a college 
youngster like me? 

Amy. I know it seems a little improbable, but it might 

change his point of view, you know, and {Falieritigfyy 

with a winning smile. ~) You aren't such an awful " young- 
ster." 

{Here Amy is taken with an attack of the hiccoughs, which 
she tries to suppress.') 

Hum. {patiently). But still, do you think he'd appreciate 
my interference ? 

Amy. Are you — hie — are you afraid to risk his resentment? 
I have enough — hie — enough confidence in you to know that 
you want to do the right thing. 

Hum. Yes, I do, but -— — {Notices hiccoughs.) You 
have the hiccoughs. Miss Granby. I know a sure cure for 
'em. Let me try it. 

Amy. What is it ? — hie. 

Hum. Just holding the pulses of both wrists, — let me try it. 

{Offers to take Amy's hands.) 

Amy. Thank you, I'll ask — hie — ask one of the girls. 

Hum. You said you had some confidence in me. Haven't 

you any in my healing powers ? 

Amy. If you would only use them to heal this business 
trouble. 

Hum. Perhaps I can. 

-Amy. If you think so — I'll let you try them on me. Do 
you? 

{For answer Hum. slowly takes Amy's wrists, one in each 
hatid. ) 

Hum. {in a low voice). You and Bob seem to be good 
friends. (Amy does not answer. Bob enters r., and stands 
as if unable to believe his eyes.) There, is it all right now? 

{Releases hands slowly.) 



TEAM-WORK 29 

Bob (backing out door, with pained expression). Excuse 
me, I didn't know — — 

Hum. (calling). Oh, come in, Bob. It's all right. Just 
practicing a little homeopathics, that's all. 

(Amy looks at Hum. with distress and apprehension. Hie 
coughs gone.) 

Enter Ruth and Stew, ^utk places plate of fudge on the 
table. 'iiEWf. goes to mantel and examines Yivu's. pack- 
age. Enter Shine, r. 

Ruth. Here's some fudge, people. It's pretty hot. 

(Exeunt Ruth and Amy, r. Hum. steps to table.) 

Stew. Whatcber got in the bundle, Hump ? Lunch ? 
Going on a picnic ? 
Hum. To-morrow. 
Shine. What is it, the new part for your machine ? 

Enter Bob, r. 

Hum. Yes, I walked out for it. 

Stew. To-morrow, did you say you were going ? 

(Hum. nods.) 

Bob. What's your hurry ? 

Hum. Why, I — er — I think I'd better be getting back, 
that's all. 

Bob (looking at book). Like to have you stay the week out. 

Hum. I'm not so sure about that. 

Bob (looking up). What ? 

Hum. You understand me well enough. 

Bob. I don't know that I do. 

Hum. You can't imagine that I'm enjoying myself up here. 

Bob. Why not, have I made it unpleasant for you ? 

Hum. Perhaps not — intentionally. Maybe it's the cir- 
cumstances. 

Bob. Well, if I can put up with them, you ought to. 

(Turns again to book.) 

Hum. How do you make that out ? You must think it's 
devilish pleasant for me to be in your house when I know all 



30 



TEAM-WORK 



the time that you think I'm in a scheme to ruin your father — 
and you. 

Bob (rising). Well, do you think it's any more pleasant 
for me to have your presence continually reminding me that 
Edith and I can't go back to college — that football is all over 
for me, and that I've got to get out and dig — all on account 
of that damned uncle of yours ? 

Hum. Now hold on, Bob, you're going too far. My 
uncle's as square as any man living, and whatever he does he 
can justify to anybody. 

Bob. He can't justify this. It's a rotten deal, that's all ! 
It's a low, contemptible — — 

Stew, {stepping forward). Come, come, you're talking too 
loud. (^Glances toward door "R.) 

Shine. That's right. Let's talk it over sensibly. We've 
got to have Bob in college this fall. Why can't you influence 
your uncle to call this deal off ? 

Stew. Yes, why don't you ? It may not mean so much to 
him as you think, and it means a lot to the team and the col- 
lege. 

Bob. Never mind. I guess we can fight our own battles. 

Hum. You needn't worry. I had no such intention. 

Stew. Now see here, Bob. If anything can be done to 
get you back this year it ought to be done. Why not let him 
write ? 

Bob. Oh, shut up ! This is my business ! I don't want 
him to, so that settles it ! 

Enter Edith with another plate of fudge. 

Edith. What's wrong with the fudge, boys? {Nobody 
moves ; Edith notices the conditions, looks from one to the 
other, finally at Bob.) Why, what's the matter with you all? 
What's the trouble, Bob ? 

Bob. Nothing. 

(Bob takes candy ; Edith passes candy to others. Bus.) 
Enter Amy, r. 

Ruth {appearing in doorway, tvearing apron, sleeves rolled 
up). Toot, aren't you going to help us ? 
Stew. How can 1 help you with this ? 

\Raises arm ; exit, R. 



TEAM-WORK 3I 

Dor. (calling from without). Shine ! 

Shine. What ? (^Eats candy. ~) 

Stew, (from without). Shine your shoes, mutt ! Come 
out here and wash the dishes. \^Exit Shine, r. 

Edith {to Hum.). Did your express package come? 

Hum. Yes, I have it right here. {Points to bundle. ~) I 
can get away to-morrow all right. 

Edith. Why, aren't you going to stay until Saturday? 

Amy. We're all going then. 

Hum. I'd like to stay — in a way. 

Edith. Why don't you, then? 

Hum. {looking at Bob). We've about decided that I'd bet- 
ter go to-morrow. 

Edith. We ! Why — why, Bob, what did you ? 

Bob. I didn't decide anything about it. He said he wasn't 
having a good time, so what's the use of making him stay ? 

Amy {looking at Hum.). Why, you aren't? 

Hum. {hesitatingly). Why, no, er — I mean yes. — Well, he 
said it wasn't pleasant for him. 

Edith. Is it about father, Bob ? 

Bob. Yes ; — mostly. 

Edith. I don't see why you can't have an understanding 
about this. Gardner can't help what his uncle does. 

Bob. That's right, now you try to patch it up. Do you 
know what those two rattleheads out there wanted me to do ? 
They wanted me to get Humphrey to write to his uncle, and 
implore him to let father down easy ! {Scornfully.) Ask 
him ! As if I'd let him do it — to say nothing of asking\i\xi\. 

Edith {reflectively). No, I suppose you don't want to do 
that, but • 

Hum. Never fear ; I won't do it. 

Amy. But why not ? 

Bob. Because I won't let him. 

Amy. Don't you want to go back to college? 

Bob. Not bad enough for that ! 

Edith. But think of the rest of us, Bob. What about father ? 
Isn't anything worth trying? — And — and — {impulsively and 
tearfully) oh, Bob ! I can't bear to think of not going back ! 

Bob. Why — why, Edith ! 

Edith. It's — it's selfish of you to be so proud. 

Bob, Yes, maybe you're right. — 1 didn't think. 

Amy {eagerly). Oh, then you'll let him write? 

Bob {faintly). I — lie can do as he likes. 



32 TEAM-WORK 

Amy {entreating Hum.). Then you will do it, won't you? 
{To Bob.) The station's open now, isn't it ? Send a telegram 
— 'phone it 1 

Hum. {vigorous in protest'). I tell you I can't ! What's 
the use of my trying to keep him from it? What good do you 
think my wire would do? Do you think he'd throw over a 
business deal just for a whim of mine? Wouldn't he think I 
was a fool ? I tell you I can't. 

Amy. But — but couldn't you just try ? 

Edith. Perhaps if he could see our side 

Hum, I tell you I don't want to butt into his affairs ! He'd 
tell me to mind my own business ! 

Amy. Are you sure he would ? Is there any possible harm 
in trying? 

Hum. Yes, I think there is. If you must know, Uncle 
Arnold thinks a good deal of me, and if I should tell him to 
hold back on a deal for my sake, he'd be just fool enough to 
do it, I know he would. 

Edith. Good ! That's just what we want, isn't it? 

Hum. You don't understand ! Do you think I want to lose 
my good standing with him ? If I make him spoil this scheme 
by taking advantage of his good will to me, where'll I be the 
next time I really want something of him ? 

Amy. How can you be so selfish ? 

Edith. Gardner Humphrey ! I've always heard you Tufts 
men talk about college spirit. Where is it ? You say that you 
need Bob on the team. Then why don't you try to keep him? 
— If he doesn't come back it's up to you. If you have any 
Tufts spirit, now's the time to show it ! You always talk about 
pulling together. Neither of you can turn out a winning team 
alone. Why don't you pull together now? 

(Hum. watches Edith with a new interest.^ 

Amy. Of course. Isn't that reason enough? 

Edith. I thought our spirit was the kind that would make 
a man fight until he dropped — the kind that would sacrifice 
everything but honor to do his best for his college without hope 
or thought of reward ; — and this is such a little thing to do. 
It means more than college loyalty to me ; it means perhaps the 
loss of the degrees Bob and I have worked for for three years, 
and perhaps my father's success or ruin. That's why I'm not 
too proud to ask this favor you seem too selfish to grant. What 
more can a girl do for her college ? 



TEAM-WORK 33 

Hum. (a bit grudgingly). Well, if you put it on the basis 
of college spirit, I've got as much as anybody. 

Amy. Then you will do it ? 

Hum. (same). Yes ; what's the number of the telephone at 
the station ? 

Edith. You just ask for the railroad station. But hadn't 
you better word your message first ? 

Hum. Yes, perhaps I had. Have you some paper ? 

Edith. I'll get some. [^Exii, r. 

Hum. Oh, and that address 

(Feels in inside pocket, then exits r.) 

Amy (going to Bob). Oh, Bob, I'm sure it will come out 
right now. 

Bob. Perhaps. But (bitterly) it doesn't matter much now. 

Amy. What do you mean ? 

Bob. I suppose I'm still a kid. It — it hurts to see my 
ideals smashed, and all that, that's all. 

Amy. But what ideals. Bob? 

Bob. I mean our friendship, — and you. It's all over now, 
of course. Humphrey is the better man, I suppose. 

Amy. Oh, why are you talking this way ? You surely don't 

think What makes you think that Gardner Humphrey 

interests me? 

Bob. Only the evidence of my eyes a few minutes ago. 
But why talk about it when it's 

Amy. I knew you'd misunderstand ; I knew it. How can 
you be so blind, and so unjust ? 

Bob. Let's — let's not make a scene, Amy. I'll take my 
medicine. I'm the under dog. (Starts out l.) 

Amy. But, Bob, won't you listen to reason ? It wasn't what 
you think. 

Bob (going out l.). There's nothing to hear. When a 
fellow's licked, he's licked. ( With effort.) I can stand it. 

\Exit, L. 

Amy (stamping her foot). Isn't that just like a man? I'll 
never explain it, never. \_Exit R., tearfully. 

Enter Hum., r., with a slip of paper in his hand ; goes 
toward telephone, where he turns to Edith, who enters B. 

Hum. Miss Richards, before I telephone I just want you 
to know that what you said about college spirit opened my 



34 



TEAM-WORK 



eyes. I would have been a cad to hold back after that. I 
wish we might be friends. Can't we? 

Edith {sotnewhat coolly). Do you wish to make friendship 
the price of what you are going to do ? 

Hum. No ! (Turns io telephone, rings bell, takes receiver.) 

Hello ! Please connect me with the telegraph office What's 

that ? You'll call me ? — All right. {Hangs up receiver.') 

Edith. Mr. Humphrey, forgive me. I think we can be 
friends. 

{Extends hand cordially but without coquetry, and Hum. 
takes it.) 

Hum. Thank you. 

( Telephone rings, one long and one short, and Hum. steps to 
it as curtain falls.) 



CURTAIN 



ACT III 

SCENE. — The stage of the college gymnasium, the afternoon 
before the presentation of the '■^ Paint aiid Powder ^^ play. 
The stage is strezvn with chairs, properties, drops and other 
paraphernalia. About the wall are piled wings, etc. Ropes 
hang from drops. Frank Bell, on step-ladder down c, 
head hidden behind front sky piece. Stage hands move xvings 
and adjust drops. As curtain is drawn, Bill Black ad' 
vances down stage, watching it. 

Jack Brown {lir awing curtaiti). Work all right now ? 

( Comes out l. ) 

Black. Ya, aw right ! Stuck up here {pointing) this 
morning. 

Bell. Hey, Bill, throw me up my screw-driver down there. 

(Black throws screw-driver, which Bell catches.) 

Black (Jo Tom White, who is working behind back wing). 
What's the matter; can't you unlace it? 

White (behind wing). Yep. Here she comes. 

( Wing falls forward a?id Black catches it ; moves it down 
R. against wall. White takes other. Bus.) 

Bell (Jo Sam Green, off stage). Hey, Sam ! 

Green. Hello ! 

Bell. Switch on this strip, will you ? 

{Two or three lights come on.) 
Enter Shine, Stew, and Ruth. 

Shine (taking hold of drop rope). How does this drop 
work? 

Green. Works all right now. I fixed it. 

Shine. Then let's pull it down. Get hold here, Toot. 

Stew, (taking drop rope). This is a cheap show, all right. 
Do you pay your actors extra for being grips ? 

(Shine and Stew, pull down drop.) 

35 



36 TEAM-WORK 

Shine. Yes, our stars we do, but not our supes. 
Stew. Huh ! Supes ! 

Ruth. And you thought you were the leading man ! — We 
ought to call you Puree, — you're such a "thick supe." 

(Black and Brown start to unlace wings, l.) 

Shine. Say, Bill, don't take those down. We'll have to 
use 'em in half an hour. It's three o'clock now. {Stage hands 
are busy about stage. ~) How are they coming, Bell ? 

Bell. Oh, comin' in bunches, — I'm about through, though. 

(^Conies down to stage and moves step-ladder R. Goes up 
ladder again.) 

Shine. Where's the rest of the crowd ? 
Ruth. Edith said she was coming right down. 

(Stage hands go out one by one during next speeches.) 

Shine. I wish she'd hurry. 

Ruth. She probably wants to be with Bob as much as she 
can to-day. 

Shine [mystified). Why? 

Ruth. Because he's going to-night, you know. 

Shine. Going where ? 

Stew. For heaven's sake, Shine, didn't you know Bob was 
leaving for Mexico to-night ? 

Shine. No ! 

Stew. He signed off yesterday. 

Shine. What's he going down there for ? I thought he was 
going to play to-day. 

Ruth. Why, Shine, he's going to work. He may be back 
next year. Edith's going to stay. 

Shine. Well, / didn't know it. Gee, that's tough ! I 
thought his father's business was fixed up. 

Stew. Well, they did give Bob's father a month to show 
what his cement works yielded the railroad. That was up a 
week ago, but Bob hasn't heard from his father, so he's going 
to Mexico to look after some properties for a man in Boston. 
Going to be gone five months, anyway. 

Shine. Well, well ! That looks bad for to-day's game. 
Evidently Humphrey's uncle didn't do anything. {Calls to 
Bell.) Don't forget the colored lights on the sides, Frank, 

Ruth. I don't believe so. 



TEAM-WORK 37 

Stew. Hump's roommate says Hump went to New York 
to see his Uncle Arnold a week or so ago. I bet he's been 
trying to do something. 

Ruth. Humphrey doesn't want to see Edith go. 

Shine. Edith? Why, is he interested there? 

Stew. Gee, Shine, wake up. Where have you been ? 

Shine. Well, that's the first I'd heard of it. 

Bell {coming dowfi ladder). Shine, are you going to have 
those side strips lighted at the beginning of the second act? 

Shine. Second act ? Oh, yes, — sure, yes. 

Enter Bob, l., coat and derby. 

Stew. Hello, Bob. 

Shine. Gee, Bob, they tell me you're going to leave 
to-night. 

Bob. That's right. 

Shine. That's tough, old man. 

Stew. Haven't you time to see the game ? 

Bob. Yes, I saw them start. I'll see some more later. I 
dropped in to say good-bye to you people. I'm going to leave 
for New York on the five o'clock. (Steps to Ruth.) Good- 
bye, Ruth. (^Shakes hands.) 

Ruth. I'm awfully sorry to have you go. Bob. 

Bob. I hate to, you can be sure. (^To Shine.) So-long, 
Shine. 

Shine. Good-bye, Bob, Don't stay away any longer than 
you can help. 

Bob. You bet I won't. {Turns to Stew.) 

Stew. {sJiaking hands with Bob). What are you going so 
soon for. Bob ? 

Bob. I've got to go up to the room to get ray suit-case. 
Good-bye, old chap. 

Stew. Good-bye, Bob. Wish you all kinds of luck. 

Bob. So-long, Bell. 

Bell. So long, Bob. Good luck to you. \Exit Bob, l. 

Stew. The team's going to miss that man. 

Shine. It's hard that he couldn't stay for this game. 

Ruth. While you're waiting for the rest of the people, 
why don't you set this scene? 

Shine. The fellows are going to set it right after the game. 
We can rehearse tliese two places without the set. 

Enter Messenger Bov, l., zuith telegram. 



30 TEAM WORK 

Boy. Which o' youse is Richards ? 

Stev/. Just gone up over the hill. 

Boy. Dat guy wit' de lid ? 

Stew. That's him. (Boy starts off i..) Hey, come here ! 
What have you got there ? 

Boy. a tellygram. What did ya tink it wus, a plate o' 
ice-cream ? 

Ruth. It must be important. Let him go. 

Stew. Well, he don't know where to go yet. You'll find 
him in eight West, Runt. 

Boy. Eight West ? Is dat de place where dey keeps de 
elyphant ? 

Stew. No, West Hall's no circus. It's the building oppo- 
site the elephant. Now, beat it ! \_Exit Boy, l. 

Ruth. I wonder what that was ? 

Shine. Probably something from Mexico. 

Bell. Say, Toot, will you see if there's any more of those 
colored bulbs in the locker- rooms ? 

Stew. Sure. \^Exit, l. 

Ruth. I think I'll go down and get my stuff picked up for 
to-night. 

Shine. Good idea. (^Exit Ruth, l.) Are you nearly 
through. Bell? 

Bell. Yes, almost. [Calls.) What do you say. Toot? 

Stew, (from without). Yes, there's plenty here. 

Enter Amy and Dor., l. 

Shine. How do you do, Amy ? 

Amy. How do you do, Shine? I'm awfully glad to see 
you. I haven't seen you to congratulate you. (^Shake hands.) 

Shine. Oh, thanks. Are you coming to see it? 

Amy. Yes, indeed ! I wouldn't miss it for worlds. 

Dor. What time are we going to rehearse? 

Shine. As soon as the coach comes. In about half an 
hour, I guess. 

Amy. I suppose you aren't going to the game ? 

Shine. Guess not, by the looks of this. It's started already. 

(Dor. walks to steps L. and sits. Shine business with props.) 

Amy. You must be glad you stuck to it. (^Pause ; looks 
about stas;e and up at Bell.) Oh, I think it's so interesting to 
see behind the scenes this way. 



TEAM-WORK 39 

(Bell drops screzv-driver beside Amy, who Jumps with an 
exclamation. Bell comes down afeiv steps and looks at 
Amy.)^ 

Bell. Oh, excuse me ! Did I frighten you ? 

Amy. Yes, — a little. Are you the stage carpenter ? 

Bell. No, I'm the comedian. You see, 1 make light of 
everything. 

Amy {laughing). It must be fine to be funny. 

Bell. Oh, yes, it's luscious to be loony. 

Amy. Do you know what time it is ? 

Bell {looking at watch'). It's twenty minutes past three. 
Aren't you going to the game ? 

Amy. Yes, i am. 

Bell. Oh, — alone? 

Amy. I expected to find Mr. Humphrey and Edith down 
there. But he says Edith didn't want to come, and he's so 
busy that I couldn't go down with him. — You people must 
have awfully good times getting ready for these plays. 

Bell {looking at hands'). Oh, yes, — yes, indeed. I might 
go myself, if Shine didn't keep his eye on me. 

Amy. Are you still such a tyrant. Shine? 

Shine. Yes, but it gets me more than it did at camp. — 
Here's where I give you a chance, Frankie. \_Exit, L. 

Bell. I guess my job's done, anyway. If you'd hke to 
have me find Hump, I should be very glad to go to the field 
with you. 

Amy. Why, thank you — if you are sure you can find — Mr. 
Humphrey. 

Bell. I can find anything on the hill but money. 

Enter Stew, and Ruth, l. 

Stew. How do you do. Amy ? 

(Bell takes step-ladder up stage R.) 

Amy. Why, hello, Toot. I'm awfully glad to see you again. 

{Shakes hands.) . 

Stew. Here's Amy, Ruth. 

^ In the first performances, Bell upset the step ladder upon which he 
was working, and came down a rope suspended beside the ladder. This 
proved a hit, but may not be practicable on all stages. — Authors. 



40 TEAM-WORK 

(Ruth is speaking- to Dor. at stairs.") 

Ruth. Yes, I saw her at the Hall before she came down. 

Stew. You didn't tell me anything about it. 

Ruth. Didn't I? How careless of me ! 

Stew, {to Amy). I suppose you're coming to see the play ? 

Amy, Yes, indeed ! I wouldn't miss it for anything. \To 
Ruth.) Aren't you coming to the game? 

Ruth. Not while season tickets cost five dollars for us girls. 
I think it's mean ! 

Bell. Isn't Toot soft enough to buy two season tickets ? 

(Amy exits l. Bell starts off l. ) 

Stew. Hey, Frankie, where the deuce are you going ? 

Bell. Sh ! I'm going to slip one over on Hump. 

\^Exit, L. 

Stew. Well, what do you know about that? Isn't that 
nerve for you ? Ruth ! 

Ruth {turning). What? 

Stew. Bell's taking Amy to the game ! 

Ruth {with surprise). He is? {Assumes indifference.) 
Well, what of it? 

Stew. Nothing of it. {With an air.) I merely desired 
to inculcate into your cerebral tissues the illuminating mental 
experience by a pure process of psycho- physical stimulation. — 
Only you wait till Bob sees him. 

Ruth. Bob ! Not now. 

Shine. Don't you mean Hump ? 

Stew. No, I mean Bob. You wait and see. 

Dor. My, aren't we the awful gossips ! 

Stew. Gossips ! Huh, you have to be to keep Shine alive. 
He's been so buried in this stunt that he's no better'n a mummy 
about anything else. 

Ruth {laughing). Poor old Shine ! Cheer up, Shine, — 
*' la jour du gloire est arrivee " ; — victory at last 1 

Enter Bob in a football suit. 

Bob. Edith here? {Pause, during which all gaze at ^Q:^ 
in mute astonishment.) Where's Edith? 

Stew. Where — how — what the — what the devil you got the 
suit on for ? 

Bob. Dad telegraphed for me to stay in college ! This is 
my last game, and I'm going to get into it. 



TEAM-WORK 4I 

Shine. How can you play ? Did you sign on ? 
Bob. Yes, — struck the office just as the registrar was 
leaving. 

Dor. Oh, isn't that dandy 1 

Ruth. I know we'll win now ! 

Bob. Give this to Edith when she comes. 

(^Hatids telegram to Ruth and exits L.) 

Shine. That's the same telegram we sent up to his room ! 

Stew. No ! That was a safety razor I sent up. — Did you 
ever hear of anybody round here getting two telegrams in one 
day? 

Dor. I wonder if Edith knows about it ? 

Ruth {fingering telegram'). His father told him he could 
stay in college. I'd like to see what it says. 

Stew. Let's read it. {Reaches for telegram.^ 

Ruth. ) ^, , 

Dor. I Oh, no! 

Ruth. Edith will read it to us. 

Enter Hum., l. 

Stew. Hi, Hump. See Bob ? 

Hum. {looking about stage). Yes, I met him on the way to 
the field. Miss Richards here ? 

Shine. How's the game? 

Hum. First half's over — no score. Where's Miss Richards? 

Dor. Is Bob going to play ? 

Hum. Yes, second half. For heaven's sake, isn't Miss 
Richards here? 

Stew. Here ! Here nothing ! She's at the game, I s'pose, 
where you ought to be. She takes more interest in the team 
than she does in y' — than you do. 

Hum. {ivalking rapidly off L.). Aw, go chase yourself, fat. 

[^Exit, L. 

Stew, {calling excitedly). Hey, Hump ! Humphrey ! 

Enter Hum., l., hastily. 

Hum. Wha' d'ye want ? 

Stew. Let's see — er — Miss Granby is there, you know. 

Hum. {ifnpatiently). Oh, what of it? 

Stew. I believe she went with 

Hum. {interrupting quickly). Miss Richards ? 



42 TEAM-WORK. 

Stew. No, Mr. Bell, our electrician. 

Hum. Oh, rats. — Idiot ! \_Exii, l. 

Stew, {calling after him). She did, Hump. Honest, she 
did ! {Laughs.) 

Ruth. Oh, that's nfiean. Toot. 

Stew. Well, that's what I meant. Does Amy fit ? Well, 
I guess not. 

Shine. Say, he must like Edith pretty well, doesn't he ? 

Dor. Yes, I should think it looked that way. 

Ruth. Well, but do you remember how Amy came in and 
asked us if we knew who he was. Toot, that day up to camp ? 

Stev/. Sure; she'd been rolling her twinklers at him in 
his auto. 

Dor. And wasn't she mournful that day after he left? 

Stew. Aw rats, all she missed was her chance at some auto 
rides. 

Ruth. I don't believe it. She liked him — I know she did. 

Shine. I don't know about that. 

Stew. Girls always know everything ! Now just for a bet, 
she never liked Hump, and she's wild about Bob now. 

Shine. How about Bell ? {Laughs.') 

Stew. She's stuck on Bell's brass, just the way she is on 
Hump's auto. 

Dor. Why, I don't believe she's seen Bob this fall ! 

Stew. That may be, but her intentions were good. 

Ruth. How do you know ? 

Stew. How do I know ? Why is a kangaroo ? I tell you 
it's all Bob. 

Ruth. It isn't either. 

Stew. It is too ; you wait and see. 

Ruth. Well, I don't believe 

Stew. Oh, you don't need to. It's so. 

Ruth. Well, I know it isn't. 

Stew. Now look here, what do you know about it ? (Ruth 
sticks her tongue out at Stew.) Did you ever see — — 

{Sound of cheering outside.) 

Dor. S-sh 1 — Did you hear that. Shine ? 
Shine. The cheering ? 

Dor. Yes, we must be winning ! I wish we were there. 
Ruth. Why didn't we go? 

SiEW. Aw, we could have seen half of this game. What 
are you keeping us here all this time for ? 



TEAM-WORK 43 

Shine. I wanted to be sure of you. I thought the coach 
would be here by this time. 

Stew. You did not : he's always here on time. I suppose 
you wanted to save us the price of admission. (Sound of 
cheering wiihouL) Come on, let's go down. 

Shine. Oli, for heaven's sake, don't go now ! He'll be 
here in a few minutes. 

Dor. What time is it ? 

Shine {looking at tvatch). Pretty near quarter of four. 
Let's try some of those places. Come on ! 

(Btis. of setting stage with chairs.') 

Ruth. I wish Edith would hurry down. I'm dying to 
know what's in that telegram. 
Stew^. Woman's curiosity ! 

Enter Bell, l., running across stage to R. 

Shine. What's the matter ? Did Hump find you ? 
Bell. Not yet. I saw him coming. 

(Catches up sweater, R.) 

Ruth. What's the score ? 

Dor. Is Bob playing ? 

Bell. You bet ! He almost got away once ! Score is 
nothing to nothing. End of the third period. 

Stew. Who's getting the best of it ? 

Bell. Looks like Amherst. Harry G's smoked four cigars 
already. 

Stew. Campaign cigars, I'll bet. 

Bell. Say, Hump's little Radcliffe friend is enthusiastic, 
isn't she? Once she jumped right up in her seat, and yelled, 
"Bob ! " 

Stew, (pointing to Ruth). There, smarty, what did I tell 
you ? Hump's friend nothing ! 

Shine. Are you still with Amy ? 

Bell. No, I'm sitting it out with Molly Atkins. So long. 

l^Exit, L. 

Shine. Get back here after the game. 

Stew, {turning to others). Two in an afternoon is going 
some. 

Ruth. Yes, for Bell. 

(Doi^ sits down r., studying play.) 



44 TEAM-WORK 

Shine {setting table in centre of floor). Come on, you two, 
try this part between Rob and June. Start where June is 
setting the table. 

(Ruth gets tray of silver off L., and starts to set table 
with silver.') 

Ruth {reciting^. This is going to be a great lark. And 
what an economics paper I can make on the servant girl 
problem ! If only Rob didn't know ! 

(Stew, comes through chairs up c, and advances to table. ^ 

Stew, {reciting). Hello, June. What are 7^// doing ? 

Shine {interrupting). Hold on I Why can't you say that 
line right? It's " What are you doing?'' not " What zx^ you 
doing? " See? 

Stew. Oh, ya. All right. 

Shine. Now go ahead from " Hello, June." 

Stew. Hello, June. What are you doing ? 

Shine. Well, that's better. Go ahead. 

Ruth. Setting the table, Mr. Robert, sir. 

Stew. You're going to stay? Bully for youl Let me 
help. {Takes the tray afid holds it, following her around 
when she moves.) Aren't-you-fetching-in-that-cap? 

Shine. Oh, gee! Punk I {Imitates.) '' Aren't-you- 
fetching-in-that-cap ? " 

Stew. Why, what's the matter with that ? 

Shine. Do you think she's lugging the cap in ? Here it 
is : " Aren't you fetching, in that cap I " Not a question, a 
remark. 

Stew. Oh, sure; all right. Shine. — Aren't you fetching, 
in that cap I Do you know what it reminds me of? 

Ruth. No — what ? 

Stew. The first time I met you. You remember. I came 
to Wellesley to the glee club concert with Faith Remington. 

Ruth. My sophomore year ? 

Shine. Whoa I That — you didn't say that just right. 
It's — - 

Enter Edith, l. 

Dor. {rising). Oh, Edith, have you been watching the 
game ? 

Edith. Game? No. — I — I didn't want to see it. 



TEAM-WORK 45 

Shine. Well, you knew Bub was jilaying, didn't you? 

Edith. Bob I Playing I 

Ruth. Why, yes ; and here's a telegram he got. 

{Holds out telegram to Edith.) 

Edith {holding telegram, turning it over and looking at 
others). But I said good-bye to him. How did you get this ? 

Ruth. Bob brought it here himself. 

Shine. He was on the way to the game. 

Edith. In his suit ? 

Stew, Yes ; he went in at the beginning of the second 
period. — Why don't you open that telegram? 

(Edith starts, and opens telegram.') 

Dor. Yes, for goodness' sake open it. 

Edith. Oh, it's from father I {Reads.) "Do not leave 
college yet. Work hard. More later," "Work hard." — 
What do you suppose that means ? 

Shine. Bob said this was his last game, 

Edith. But he can stay in college. — That must mean he's 
got to work. 

Ruth. Yes, and that's why he can't play football any 
more. 

{Brief silence followed by cheering without.) 

Stew. Do you hear that? {Half angrily.) I'm going 
down ! {Starts off.) 

Shine {catching him by the arm). Oh, hold on ! There's 
only about three or four minutes to play ! By the time you 
get there the game will be over. Stay here and rehearse ! 

Stew. Rehearse be da Hang it, I know my part. 

We must 'a' scored. 

Shine. Well, you can't see it now. Come on. {Picks up 
play book and turns pages.) Try this on page eighteen, 
where 

{Sound of running feet and yelling in corridor. Enter 
Green, greatly excited, waving sweater.) 

Green. Yea-a-ay ! Richards got a touchdown ! Rich- 
ards got a touchdown I 



46 TEAM-WORK 

(Shine and Stew, yell and jump about stage. Girls stand 
in centre of stage, elated, while men Jump around them.) 

Stew. Did we kick the goal? What's the score? 

Green. Sure ! Six to nothing ! Only about half a min- 
ute to play ! 

Shine. Then beat it for the chapel and be ready to ring 
that bell ! 

{Shoves him off the stage. Cheers heard without.) 

Stew. Game's over ! Ye-a-ay ! Six to nothing ! 
Shine. Oh, you Bob Richards ! Ye-a-ay ! 
Edith {greatly excited). Isn't it great! I knew he'd do 
it ! 1 knew he'd do it ! 

Stew, {to Ruth). Now wait and see what Amy does ! 
Shine. Oh, say, won't we have a corking audience to-night ! 
Ruth. A big night to-night, all right. 
Stew. Oh, be calm ! Wait till after the show. 

[Struts about stage.) 

Edith {sitting^., holditig side, laughing hysterically). Oh 
isn't it great ! — I thought he'd gone to Mexico. 

{Others laugh. Edith begins to cry hysterically. Shine 
a7id Stew, draw over l. close together at a loss to know 
what to do. Dor. goes to Edith and tries to calm her.) 

Shine {to Stew.). Go get Bob. {Looks off l.) There 
he goes now. 

(Stew, and Shine both exeunt l., eager to get off stage.) 

Dor. It's all right, Edith. Don't cry. 

Edith {sobbing). I'm not crying. {Begins to laugh.) 

Enter Brown, Black and White, staying over l., looking at 
Edith in wonder. Bus. as Ruth atid Dor. try to calm 
Edith. Enter Amy. 

Amy. Isn't it simply dandy? {Sees Edith.) Oh, what's 
the matter ? 

Dor. Oh, she's all right. Just the excitement. 
Amy. Oh, here's Bob. 

Enter Bob* with Stew, and Shine. Walks across to Edith. 



team-work: 47 

Bob. Edith ! It's all right !— What's the matter ? 
Edith. Oh, Bob ! 

(Bob and Edith embrace. Stew., seeing them, pretends to 
embrace Ruth, but she evades him. Amy stands silently 
by Bob's side. Presently Bob feels Amy's presence afid 
turns. Their eyes meet. Silence. Enter Hum. Amy 
slowly places her hand in Bob's.) 

Amy. No one else could have done it. Bob ! — And — and — 
I'm so glad you're going to stay ! 

Hum. {holding out his hand). Bob, old man, you're a 
wonder ! You can have everything I've got ! {Shakes hands.') 

Bob. Thanks, Gardner, and the same to you ! — Tell Edith, 
Gardner. 

Hum. Edith, here's a special delivery from ray uncle. 
{Scans letter.) Where's that sentence? — Oh, here. "Don't 
worry, the spur track is to be left in place. ' Richards and 
Humphrey, Incorporated,' vi^ill boom the cement business. Yes- 
terday orders were sent " And here ! "If young Rich- 
ards is like his father, get to know him better. He must 
be " 

Bob {interrupting). Leave that to me, old man. {Turns 
Jo Amy.) Amy, I've been talking to Gardner, and I want to 
talk to you. Will you wait for me until I change this rig ? 

Amy. Yes, Bob. I'm awfully glad. 

Shine {looking out over audience). Here's the coach, boys ! 
Clear the stage for Act I ! 

{Bus., stage hands rush for scenery and properties prepara- 
tory to setting stage, while other characters hurry off 
stage.) 



CURTAIN 



)CT 19 1912 



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